Executive Secretary to the Principal

About the role

Gordonstoun Jubail Island, a school in Abu Dhabi focused on character education, outdoor education and adventure, is looking for an Executive Secretary. The post provides confidential, high-level executive and administrative support to the Principal and is the professional face of the Principal's office. It manages the Principal's diary, correspondence and priorities, supports the Senior Leadership Team and acts as Clerk to the Governing Board and its committees, ensuring governance arrangements meet ADEK requirements. During the pre-opening phase, the postholder helps set up the Principal's office and the school's governance systems.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the Principal's diary, appointments, travel and priorities, and act as first point of contact for the office
• Draft, proofread and translate correspondence, reports, presentations and briefing papers in English and Arabic
• Provide hospitality for the Principal's visitors and track deadlines and follow-ups
• Act as Clerk to the Governing Board and its committees: plan the annual meeting calendar, prepare agendas and papers, take minutes, maintain action logs and governance records in line with the ADEK School Governance Policy
• Support the Senior Leadership Team meetings, maintain the leadership calendar and collate reports for the Principal
• Liaise with the School Owner's office, ADEK and government entities, coordinate communications with staff and parents, arrange parent meetings and log complaints and appeals
• Organise Principal-led events and apply UAE protocol and etiquette for official and VIP visits
• Maintain a secure filing system, handle sensitive information with discretion, manage office supplies and expense claims, and work with the front office team

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree (QFE 7); business administration, management or communications preferred
• At least 5 years supporting a senior executive, including taking minutes for senior meetings
• Fluent written and spoken Arabic and English, with drafting and translation skills
• Strict discretion with confidential Board, staff, student and safeguarding information
• UAE nationals are encouraged to apply

Required skills

• Able to produce accurate minutes, prepare agendas and papers and track actions
• Advanced Microsoft Office or Google Workspace skills
• Strong diary, document and records management
• Polished communication and understanding of UAE protocol
• Data protection and safeguarding awareness

Desirable: executive assistant or PA certification, UAE school or board secretariat experience, knowledge of ADEK policies, safeguarding training and experience in a founding-school environment. Appointment is subject to safer-recruitment checks, qualification verification, references, police clearance and ADEK approval.